Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” for outdoor brands—it’s an expectation. Consumers, retailers, and investors are all demanding greater transparency and accountability when it comes to sustainability. But for many outdoor brands, the challenge isn’t the why—it’s the how.
At Emerger Strategies, we specialize in making sustainability simple, actionable, and profitable. Whether you’re looking to comply with big-box retailer sustainability requirements, measure your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or improve your packaging, we help you cut through the complexity and focus on what matters most to your business.
The Business Case for Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just about reducing environmental impact—it’s also a powerful business strategy. When done right, sustainability can:
✅ Reduce costs through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation.
✅ Increase customer loyalty by aligning with consumer values and expectations.
✅ Enhance brand reputation with retailers, investors, and stakeholders.
✅ Mitigate risks related to regulatory compliance, climate impacts, and supply chain disruptions.
At Emerger Strategies, we ensure our clients don’t just check the box on sustainability—they leverage it as a competitive advantage.
Where Should Outdoor Brands Start?
Many brands struggle with where to begin, but sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simplified roadmap to get started:
1. Measure Your Impact
The first step in any sustainability journey is understanding where you stand. This includes:
- Conducting a Sustainability Assessment to identify strengths and opportunities.
- Measuring your Scopes 1-3 GHG emissions.
- Tracking key sustainability metrics, such as water use, waste, and energy consumption.
2. Set Meaningful Goals
Once you have a baseline, you can set ambitious yet achievable sustainability goals that align with your business strategy. Whether it’s achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, using 100% recycled packaging, or improving supplier sustainability, clear goals help drive action.
3. Take Action & Improve Performance
With data in hand and goals set, it’s time to execute. This might involve:
- Reducing emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and supply chain optimization.
- Improving packaging by transitioning to recyclable, compostable, or reusable materials.
- Engaging employees and customers in sustainability initiatives to build a culture of responsibility.
4. Communicate Your Progress
Today’s consumers and retailers expect transparency. Brands should communicate their sustainability progress honestly and effectively through:
- Retailer sustainability compliance reporting
- Annual sustainability reports
- Certifications (e.g., The Climate Label, B Corp, TRUE Zero Waste, etc.)
- Website, social media, and packaging messaging
Let’s Make Sustainability Work for You
At Emerger Strategies, we don’t believe sustainability should be complicated or burdensome. We help outdoor brands navigate sustainability requirements, tell their sustainability story, and, most importantly, improve performance in a way that makes business sense.
Are you ready to simplify sustainability and gain a competitive edge? Check out our Sustainability Consulting Services, and Let’s talk.